SHED Architecture reimagines a 1990s home with passive building techniques and contemporary style. Located in Seattle, Wash., the 2,820-square-foot project planned for a deeper immersion with its ecological surroundings. SHED worked in collaboration with Thomas Jacobson Construction, structural engineer Swenson Say Fagét and energy modeling from Atvaga Building Modeling for this project. Modernizing the building required the reconfiguration of living spaces. This includes opening up the kitchen to the other living spaces and expanding the square footage by 20 feet. This transformed the home’s livability. On the exterior the cornice was replaced with…
Read MoreCategory: Remodeling
When will housing prices drop?
New data from Realtor.com shows the U.S. housing market is cooling, with homes staying on the market longer and prices softening in many areas. In November 2025, the typical home spent 64 days for sale, three days longer than a year earlier and nine days longer than in 2022. Price trends vary by location, but nationally there are clear signs of easing: annual price declines were recorded in 28 of the 50 largest metro areas, while six others saw flat prices. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the median home price…
Read More5 home renovation trends that Interior Designers are ditching in 2026
As 2026 approaches, interior designers are urging homeowners to rethink certain once-popular renovation trends that are now falling out of favor. Experts Jennifer Cataldo, Tennille Burnup and Alyssa Anselmo say flat, builder-grade drywall is being replaced by textured, handcrafted wall finishes like limewash and Venetian plaster, which add warmth and dimension. Waterfall kitchen islands, long seen as a modern luxury statement, are also losing appeal in favor of more custom, inviting designs that mix materials, incorporate furniture-style bases and emphasize subtlety over flash. Light blonde oak is giving way to…
Read MoreFed cuts rates again, though mortgage rates are already down
The Federal Reserve announced another 25-basis-point cut to the federal funds rate on October 29, marking its second consecutive quarter-point reduction this fall. Though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, these decisions influence borrowing costs across the economy. Anticipating the move, mortgage lenders had already begun lowering rates throughout October, with 30-year averages nearing 6%, the lowest level in more than three years. Despite this decline, housing demand remains muted, as mortgage applications have continued to fall. The Fed’s latest rate cut reflects its attempt to balance a slowing…
Read More5 Home Renovation trends you’re expected to see in 2026
Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will…
Read MoreRemodeling expects steady growth into next year
Home renovation and maintenance spending is expected to stay steady through late 2025 and into mid-2026, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). The forecast predicts a 2.4% year-over-year increase in early 2026, followed by a slight slowdown to 1.9% growth by the third quarter. This stability reflects consistent activity in remodeling permits and single-family home sales, which are keeping homeowner improvement demand strong. Total remodeling expenditures are projected to reach a record $524 billion by early 2026, underscoring the sector’s resilience despite broader market fluctuations. Looking ahead,…
Read MoreRemodel of the week: Vineyard Haven
Originally built in 1873, the three-story, nearly 5,800-square-foot home needed an aesthetic and structural remodel. The Victorian residence in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts received many mismatched renovations as it changed owners throughout the years. Only interior designers Vineyard Decorators, were initially brought into the project. However when the homeowners discussed how unlivable the space felt to their lifestyle, Martha’s Vineyard Engineering & Design were brought in for architecture and engineering and D. Best Construction handled the renovation construction. “This project was probably the most unique of its kind because I would…
Read MoreFaucet market growing at 5.93% amid smart touchless adoption
The global faucet market is projected to grow from USD 23.27 billion in 2025 to USD 31.03 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.93%, driven by urban housing upgrades, hospitality expansion and rising sustainability standards. Advances in touchless and disc-valve technology, along with the use of stainless steel and water-efficient designs, are reshaping performance and pricing trends. Governments tightening water-use regulations and promoting eco-labels are pushing manufacturers toward innovation and sustainability. Meanwhile, the surge in online retail and direct-to-consumer sales is transforming buying behavior, enhancing transparency and increasing…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market Outlook Report 2025-2030
The global construction and building materials market is experiencing rapid transformation driven by urbanization, sustainability goals and advancements in digital technology. Valued at $2.04 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach $2.89 trillion by 2030, the market’s growth reflects rising demand for innovative, low-emission materials and efficient building techniques. As cities expand and environmental regulations tighten, builders and manufacturers are prioritizing materials that balance performance with sustainability. This evolution underscores the need for industry leaders to adapt to new economic, technological and regulatory conditions shaping construction worldwide. Innovation and technology…
Read MoreAIA home design trends survey
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) released their Home Design Trends Survey (HDTS) results for Q3 2025. The survey is conducted quarterly by consulting a panel of 300+ residential architecture firms. It allows architects to discuss upcoming trends in residential design. This survey is then used to relay these trends throughout the construction and remodeling industry. The home design survey addresses different areas like products, special room functions, systems and technology and special features. The most important products revealed is low maintenance materials with 48% of respondents reporting its popularity. Smart…
Read More